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THE KIA SORENTO has returned to the
winner’s podium following a subtle and
clever model update in late 2017. While
there were the usual cosmetic changes
to distinguish the new model, the real
differences lay beneath the surface.
The diesel versions get an all-new
eight-speed automatic and the two extra
gears provide a better spread of ratios,
which help the 2.2-litre turbo-diesel
deliver strong performance and general
drivability. Even more noticeable is the
reduction in fuel thirst and greater
smoothness and quietness.
Kia’s local engineering team has fine-
tuned the suspension to make it better
suited to Australian road conditions. The
end result is a compliant, controlled ride
that’s amongst the best in class. And this
continues off-road, where the Sorento
shows plenty of agility.
The highest-selling version is the top-
spec GT-Line AWD diesel model. Over
recent years, buyers have recognised its
long-term value-for-money proposition,
which now features a premium sound
system, bigger touchscreen, Apple
CarPlay and Android Auto, a 360-degree
camera view and LED headlights that
turn with the steering.
Highly desirable autonomous
emergency braking with a forward
collision warning system is now standard
across the range, together with a host
of other safety features such as lane
keeping assistance, driver attention alert
and hill start assistance. The GT-Line
adds blind spot detection and cross
traffic alert.
Seven seats are standard and space
and comfort are both considered
amongst the best in class. Leg room in
the third row is an area where many in
this class fall short; it’s good in the
Sorento but could still be tight for large
adults to travel long distances.
The GT-Line’s interior is well-appointed
with leather trim and impressive build
quality, creating a luxury look and feel.
Ergonomically, the Sorento scores highly,
with clear instrumentation and well laid
out controls that fall naturally to hand,
which all play a significant role in the
SUV’s overall driving ease.
Best AWD SUV $50k–$65k
Space and comfort are
both considered amongst
the best in class
Kia Sorento GT-Line
Consistently high standards over all aspects of long-term
ownership result in another worthy winner for Kia
Many view the Hyundai Santa Fe and
the class-winning Kia Sorento as a
mirror image of each other. They come
from the same stock, but at the time of
judging, only the Kia had launched the
new model, with the Hyundai
appearing a few months later.
Essentially, the Santa Fe has the
superseded chassis and six-speed auto
compared to the Kia’s new eight-speed.
This alone had an obvious effect on
performance and fuel economy.
The two cabins are on an identical
footing, but the Hyundai still manages
to offer more standard features.
The XC40 is a high quality SUV with
outstanding individual presence, and
is only let down by a couple of lower
scores for insurance and its warranty
and dealer access across the country.
It also suffers slightly for its premium
fuel consumption against a diesel
dominated class.
In all other aspects of design and
function and on the road, the XC40
scores consistently high in the class.
In addition to a comprehensive list
of features and a class-leading score
for safety, the Volvo is a standout
for build quality.
WINNER! 2ND PLACE
Engine: 2.2-litre four-cylinder Transmission:
eight-speed auto Power: 147kW Torque: 441Nm
Fuel economy: 7.2L/100km ANCAP: HHHHH
Price: $63,832 (indicative drive away)
3RD PLACE
Hyundai
Santa Fe Highlander
Engine: 2.2-litre four-cylinder Transmission:
six-speed auto Power: 147kW Torque: 440Nm
Fuel economy: 7.8L/100km ANCAP: HHHHH
Price: $63,931 (indicative drive away)
Volvo XC40 T5 R-Design
Engine: 2.0 -litre four-cylinder
Transmission: eight-speed auto Power:
185kW Torqu e: 350Nm Fuel economy:
7.7L/100km ANCAP: Not rated Price:
$60,343 (indicative drive away)
OPEN ROAD
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